Washington: US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Tuesday met his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant at the Pentagon, warning that a conflict between Israel and Hezbollah could spark a dangerous regional war and urging a diplomatic solution.
The meeting between Austin and Gallant comes amid heightened tensions in the region, exacerbated by more than eight months of conflict in Gaza and frequent exchanges of fire between Israeli forces and Lebanon’s Hezbollah.
“Another war between Israel and Hezbollah could easily become a regional war, with terrible consequences for the Middle East,” Austin stated. He underscored the critical role of diplomacy in averting further escalation.
In response, Gallant affirmed ongoing efforts to seek an agreement while also preparing for various scenarios to ensure readiness. He stressed the importance of close cooperation between Israel and the United States in managing the situation effectively.
Last week, the Israeli military indicated that plans for an offensive in Lebanon had been authorized amidst escalating cross-border clashes. However, Washington has been actively engaged in efforts to de-escalate tensions and prevent a significant conflict in the volatile region.
Gallant’s visit to Washington aims to reaffirm the strong bilateral ties between Israel and its key ally, the United States, following public disagreements over the pace of weapons deliveries. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously criticized delays in arms shipments, prompting clarifications from the US government regarding concerns over the use of certain munitions in populated areas.
The United States remains Israel’s primary supplier of weapons, but the ongoing Gaza conflict and its humanitarian toll have intensified pressure on President Joe Biden’s administration to manage the situation effectively while maintaining diplomatic relations with Israel.
Prior to meeting with Austin, Gallant held talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who urged Israel to exercise restraint and avoid escalation in Lebanon. Gallant also conferred with CIA Director Bill Burns, a key figure in negotiations concerning hostages held by Hamas.
Netanyahu has indicated that Israel is winding down the most intense phase of the Gaza conflict and redeploying forces to the northern border. The last major conflict between Israel and Hezbollah occurred in 2006, initiated by a Hezbollah attack across the border, leading to a month-long war that inflicted significant casualties in Lebanon.
